Disaster Psychologist Available to Discuss Thai Boys' Recovery from Trauma

Jul 9, 2018

1 min

The world watched with relief as 12 soccer players and their coach were rescued from a flooded cave in northern Thailand after an 18-day ordeal.


Amid the relief at the players' safe rescue, Dr. Jamie Aten, a Wheaton College psychologist, says it’s important that they receive care for mental health needs in addition to the physical care they are receiving.


Aten, the founder and Executive Director of the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College, is an internationally known expert who helps others navigate mass, humanitarian, and personal disasters with scientific and spiritual insights.


Aten recommends the boys’ mental health be monitored closely following their rescue. “They may show extremes in behaviors ... they [may] sleep too much, or have difficulty sleeping,” he says. “They may develop triggers that weren’t there previously.”


“Some may withdraw, while others need more attention. Over time these symptoms may lessen, but for some it could be a lifelong struggle.”


To request an interview with Dr. Aten, contact Wheaton College Director of Media Relations LaTonya Taylor, latonya.taylor@wheaton.edu.


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